Turner Free School
Tile Kiln Lane, Folkestone, CT19 4PB
Pupils
1020
Ages
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
1020
Headteacher
Mr Jamie MacLean
Type
Secondary
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Kent
Sixth form
Yes
About Turner Free School
Turner Free School is a secondary school in Folkestone for children aged 11 to 18, teaching boys and girls. Around 1020 pupils are on roll. It is a maintained school within the Kent local authority area. There is a sixth form on site, so students can stay on for post-16 study. Mr Jamie MacLean leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 6 December 2022, Turner Free School was judged Good. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
How the school is performing
At A level the published average grade is D+ (2024/25). Overall absence stands at 7.9%, which is attendance of about 92.1% (2024/25). Around 46.0% of pupils are eligible for free school meals. Figures come from the Department for Education's published school performance data and are shown in full further down this page.
Getting a place at Turner Free School
You apply for a place at Turner Free School on the secondary common application form through Kent, with the national deadline of 31 October. Where there are more applications than places, the school's published oversubscription criteria decide who is offered a place, typically starting with looked-after children and siblings. There is no separate entrance assessment. Always check the current admissions policy on the school's own website before you apply, because criteria can change year to year.
SEND at a glance
Turner Free School is described in the published data as a mainstream school with special classes. Recorded provision: Special classes. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Turner Free School contact details and location
You will find Turner Free School at Tile Kiln Lane, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 4PB. The school office can be reached on 01303 232 400. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Ofsted inspection
Overall effectiveness
Last inspection: 06/12/2022
Quality of Education
How well pupils are taught and what they learn
Behaviour and Attitudes
How pupils behave and their attitude to learning
Personal Development
Support for pupils' wider growth and wellbeing
Leadership and Management
How well the school is run
Turner Free School admissions and catchment area
No entrance test - you apply on the common application form
Turner Free School does not run its own entrance test. Places are allocated by Kent County Council using published oversubscription criteria. Oversubscription criteria usually cover looked-after children, siblings, distance from the school, and (for faith schools) faith criteria.
Dates and criteria change each year - always confirm with the school and Kent County Council. KCC school admissions →
How to apply
1. Apply on the common application form (September-31 October)
Complete the Secondary Common Application Form on the Kent County Council website. Kent residents can list up to 4 schools in preference order.
2. National Offer Day (1 March)
You'll be told your allocated school by email.
3. Accept and, if needed, appeal
Accept your place by the given date. If you didn't get your preferred school, you have the right to appeal - the school's admissions authority handles this.
4. In-year admissions
Moving mid-year? Apply directly through Kent County Council's in-year admissions team, or in some cases direct to the school.
Didn't get a place? You can appeal
If Turner Free School is not offered on National Offer Day, you can appeal the decision. The appeal is heard by an independent panel and is free to submit.
How to appeal a school offerTurner Free School results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
Average grade · 2024/25
Attendance
Free school meals
SEND support at Turner Free School
SEND setting
Mainstream school with special classes
SEND provision
Special classes
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Turner Free School
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Turner Free School term dates: Kent standard term dates for 2026/27
These are Kent County Council's standard term dates. Your school may use different dates and INSET days, so check the school's website before making plans.
Autumn 1 · 2026
1 Sep-23 Oct
Autumn 2 · 2026
2 Nov-18 Dec
Spring 1 · 2027
4 Jan-12 Feb
Spring 2 · 2027
22 Feb-25 Mar
Summer 1 · 2027
12 Apr-28 May
Summer 2 · 2027
7 Jun-21 Jul
Turner Free School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Turner Free School?
Apply through Kent on the secondary common application form by 31 October, naming Turner Free School as one of your preferences. Offers are made on National Offer Day on 1 March.
What is Turner Free School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Turner Free School Good at its inspection on 6 December 2022. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is Turner Free School and what ages does it take?
Turner Free School has around 1020 pupils on roll and covers ages 11 to 18. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does Turner Free School offer?
Turner Free School is recorded as a mainstream school with special classes. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
What are Turner Free School's term dates and INSET days?
Turner Free School follows the standard Kent pattern for 2026/27, set out term by term on this page. INSET days are set by the school itself, so confirm them on the school's own calendar.
Where is Turner Free School and how do I contact the school?
Turner Free School is at Tile Kiln Lane, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 4PB. The office number is 01303 232 400. A map and directions are on this page.
About this information. Compiled from published sources including the Department for Education, Ofsted and the school's own website. Last reviewed Summer 2026.
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Get my profile builtSchools near Turner Free School
The closest schools to CT19 4PB, measured from each school's own location.
Folkestone · Grammar · 0.5 miles
The Harvey Grammar School
Folkestone · Secondary · 0.8 miles
Folkestone Academy
Folkestone · Independent · 0.9 miles
Earlscliffe (Sussex Summer Schools Ltd)
Folkestone · Grammar · 1.0 miles
The Folkestone School for Girls
Hythe · Secondary · 3.7 miles
Brockhill Park Performing Arts College
Dover · Secondary · 6.6 miles
Astor College
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